You’re in the market for a new lawn mower but you don’t want to break the bank, right? It needs to get the job done in a manner that shows you take pride in your lawn. Fortunately there are well-designed options to find the best lawn mower under $300 to take on your yard this spring.
Big brand high end lawn mowers often boast appealing features to lure you into buying one because it makes the job easier and offers superior cut quality. The truth is many of your budget-friendly lawn mowers today come equipped with the same standard features.
Love it or hate it, keeping up your lawn is something all homeowners must deal with. In many communities it’s even required that yards be kept well manicured. Having the right mower for your lawn should make the task much easier and cost-efficient over hiring a professional. Different types of mowers will have different functions and features and they each offer their own advantages as well as disadvantages over another. Here’s a look at the different options worth considering for the best lawn mower under $300.
Key Features to Look For
When considering the best lawn mower under $300 for your yard there are some careful considerations to keep in mind. Yard size, for instance, will play a major factor in determining a suitable model for your needs. Here are some valuable features worth looking for in a good-quality mower.
- Handlebar Clutch: the function of a brake clutch on the handlebar will stop the mower’s blade when released without shutting off the entire unit. This makes stopping and starting easier for breaks such as moving an obstruction from your path without the need to restart the mower.
- Uniform Wheel Size: Some mowers will feature larger rear wheels from the front wheels as just mentioned. These are good for mowing a yard that is more rugged, however they’re not as easy to handle. A mower designed with uniform-sized front and rear wheels are easier to tilt back when turning at the end of a row.
- One-Lever Height Adjustment: This is a feature that allows you to adjust the height of the mower’s deck by raising or lowering it with a single lever equipped on the machine. This is a must if you want to save time and effort from having to adjust all four wheels of the mower.
- Cutting width : The wider your mower’s cutting width is designed to cut, the few paths you will have to make with your mower. Keep this in mind with a moderately sized yard to minimize your run time.
- Grass Clipping Discharge Modes: Some mowers come with multiple mode change options to bag or mulch grass clippings, or feature a side-discharge chute to disperse clippings back into the soil. Look for one that features mode changes without needing special tools for greater versatility.
There are some additional qualities offered in the models closer to the higher end of the price bracket that you won’t find on more economical options. For instance, the Husqvarna HU800AWDH is equipped with high-end 190cc Honda engine, and an All-Wheel Drive system exclusive to Husqvarna products providing greater maneuverability and balance, making it ideal if you have a lawn with hills or a lot of uneven terrain. Sadly, it costs more than $300 but I’m using it as a frame of reference so you have an idea of what you get when you invest more money.
Excellent mower for Hills & Rough Terrain | Husqvarna HU800AWDH
Ultimately, you have to spend what you can afford and what you need. There’s no point in buying an AWD mower if you have a small flat lawn. Be honest about your needs and buy a lawn mower inline with your requirements. Also, consider how often you mow your lawn. Buying the cheapest lawn mower doesn’t make sense either, in my opinion. You want a lawn mower to last for many years and one that will make your life easier because it cuts well and it’s reliable. Cheaper is not better, but thankfully, you can get some great mowers for under $300 so don’t worry.
Stick to reputable name brands, such as : Black+Decker, Husqvarna, Troy-Bilt, Greenworks, etc…
Tips on Lawn Cutting
The right lawn mower will make all the difference in taking most of the hard work out of keeping up your lawn. Likewise, knowing how to care for your lawn and your mower can help to extend its use for greater value. These few tips will go a long way in ensuring your lawn looks as though it was done by a professional.
What Height to Cut Grass?
It is commonly believed that choosing the lowest cutting height will help reduce the frequency of mowing your lawn with the theory that shorter grass takes longer to grow. Cutting too short, however, isn’t healthy for your lawn and can often result in a discolored spots as well as vulnerable to weeds. When choosing the height of your mower to cut the grass you should first identify the type of grass your lawn is primarily composed of. Different grass types have varying ideal heights to cut for a healthy-looking lawn.
Grass that grows and thrives during the cooler seasons such as Bahiagrass, Buffalo grass, and St. Augustine are best cut at higher heights. For warm-season grasses such as Bentgrass (agrostis) and Zoysia (creeping grass) the lower height setting should be used to cut down to ½” – 1 ½”.
A Great Option | Sun Joe iON16LM — 40V Cordless Mower
The seasons will also play a part in setting an ideal height to cut your grass for maintaining a healthy lawn. During the summer and bouts of dry periods or droughts cut the grass at the highest setting to remove dead blades without stressing the lawn.
The frequency in which you cut your lawn can play an important deciding factor on the right mower for your needs. If you habitually take care of your lawn to cut it regularly and keeping it well maintained, an electric, battery-powered or manual reel mower could all be suitable options. The longer you let your grass grow in between mowing, the longer and thicker the grass will be to cut through. If you habitually put off mowing your lawn until it really needs it you will most likely be happier going with a more powerful gas model.
When to Buy A Lawn Mower?
May is generally the best time to shop around for great prices on a new mower as many retailers will offer sales before the peak season. Near the end of the season, towards September is another good time when you’ll likely find deep discounts on lawn equipment but the selection may be limited.
Reviews | Best Lawn Mower Under $300
Remington RM130 Trail Blazer
21-inch, 140cc OHV autochoke engine, 3-in-1 design (side/mulch/rear bagging)
Features:
- Powerful 140cc OHV autochoke engine
- 21″ deep dome steel deck
- SureCut blade
- 3-in-1 design (side/mulch/rear)
- Dual-Lever, 6-position height adjustment
- 7″/8″wheels F/R
- Adjustable handles with comfort grip
- 7 in. front and 8 in. rear wheels
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Remington RM130 Trail Blazer.
Overview
This 3-in-1 gas mower is equipped with a powerful 140cc OHV engine for tackling some of the roughest and toughest lawns out there. The 21-in steel deck is designed with a rust-resistant construction for longer-lasting quality in the elements. There are 6 height adjustment options with a dual lever to adjust cutting height from 1.25 inches up to 3.75 inches.
The handles can be adjusted and designed with a comfortable grip that absorbs vibrations for easier handling. It is designed with a unique and innovative blade design which lifts and circulates the clippings to minimize clumping. The mower offers 3 options for expelling the grass clippings either through the side, bottom or into the bag.
Husqvarna LC121FH | Gas Lawn Mower
3-in-1 mower, 21-inch cutting width. Excellent self-propelled lawn mower for under $300. Works great on lawns with hills. If you have a lot of steep hills in your yard then read : Best Self-Propelled Lawn mower for Hills.
Features:
- 3-in-1 : Collect/Mulch/Rear ejection
- 21-Inch cutting width.
- 4-Point Cutting height adjustment : 1″ to 4 inches
- 149cc Kohler XT650 4-Cycle Engine — 6.5 lb/ft gross torque
- 21-Inch, Heavy Duty Stamped Steel Mower Deck
- High capacity 2.2 cu.feet bushel bag
- Front Wheel Drive
- Water hose connection : Quick and easy mower deck clean-up. Attach hose, turn on water, and rinse
- Easy to Store : Foldable handle allows for easy transport and storage
- Soft Grip Handle : Reduces vibration while you mow. Increased comfort.
- Wheels with ball bearings : Easy-rolling wheels with double-sealed bearings
- 11″ Rear Wheels / 8″ front wheels
- 3 position handle height adjustment : Quick and easy adjustment of the handle in three different heights.
Overview
For homeowners with flat lawns this FWD gas lawn mower by Husqvarna is self propelled to take most of the hard work and effort off of you providing an easier cutting experience. There are 4 adjustable cutting height settings ranging from 1 inches to a maximum of 4 inches and a 21-in cutting width.
The mower offers 3 different discharge options for grass clippings from mulch to side discharge or collection with the included collection bag. The rear wheels are designed higher than the front to make maneuvering and control easy for users. The handle also features a soft grip feature for a more comfortable mowing experience. When not in use it folds down for more compact storing capability.
Corded-Electric Mowers
BLACK+DECKER MM2000 | Electric Lawn Mower
20″ corded lawn mower. 3-in-1 mower — Mulching, bagging, and side discharge. Best electric lawn mower under $300. Designed with EdgeMax technology making it easy to cut closely to your fence or garden border.
Features:
- 13 Amp Motor to power through overgrowth
- 20″ cutting width.
- 3-in-1 mower – Mulching, bagging, and side discharge for multiple mowing modes
- One-touch height adjustment : Change the height with a simple pull of a lever.
- Can be folded for compact storage.
- 7-setting height adjustment : Single lever easily adjusts the height of cut.
- Cutting Heights : 1.5″ to 4″
- EdgeMax Technology : Mow along fences and landscape borders with precision and ease.
Convenient carrying handles for easy transport and storage - 13 Gal. all nylon grass collection bag
- Ideal Property Size : 1/3 acre
- Weight : 46.85 lbs
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the BLACK+DECKER MM2000.
Overview
This corded electric lawn mower is equipped with a 13-amp motor to take on tough lawns and even overgrowth. The deck features 7 height-adjustable settings with a single lever for convenience to adjust from the lowest height 1.5 inches to the maximum height at 4 inches and a cutting path of 20 inches wide. It can mow over sloped terrain and suitable for lawns up to ⅓ acre in size. As far as extension cords go, I recommend:
- 100 feet : 12 gauge (AmazonBasics) extension cord
- 50 feet : 14 gauge (Coleman 02408) extension cord
A unique feature to this mower is the EdgeMax deck design. This allows the user to cut closer to an edge making it ideal for lawns with flower beds and fencing. There are 3 grass discharge options with a 13-gallon collection bag included for clippings. For convenient storage, the mower also folds up compactly to save space.
Learn more about extension cords by reading our indepth article : Choosing the Right Outdoor Extension Cord.
Greenworks 25022 | Electric Lawn Mower
12-Amp, 20″ cutting width, corded-electric mower. Excellent value and one of the most popular lawn mowers because it’s inexpensive and reliable. A great choice if you don’t mind managing extension cords. Personally, I find extension cords a nuisance, but that’s just me.
Features:
- Powerful 12 Amp motor delivers enough power to cut through the toughest grass
- Steel 20″ cutting deck gets the job done quicker and more efficiently
- 3-in-1 : Grass clippings from rear bag, side discharge and mulching capabilities
- 7-position height adjustment
- Cutting heights from : 1.5″ to 3.75″ for all grass types
- Wide 10″ rear wheels and 7″ front wheels
- Push Button Start.
- Drive system: manual
- Foldable Handles For Compact Storage
- 4-Year Tool Warranty
- Extension Cord Not Included :
- We recommend : AmazonBasics : 12 gauge 100-Foot extension cord
- We recommend : AmazonBasics : 12 gauge 100-Foot extension cord
Overview
The Greenworks series offers several popular models in the corded and cordless options for lawn care. This corded electric model features a 12-amp motor for a quiet and smooth operation with a manual drive and steel deck with a 20-in cutting width. The single-lever height adjustment offers 7 height settings ranging from 1.25 inches to 3.75 inches. This model has a 3-in-1 feature for disposing of the grass clippings. It mulches, features a rear-bag system, and it also has a side discharge chute to give you versatile options. When not in use, the handle folds down for a more compact design.
VIDEO | A Closer Look Greenworks 25022
Note : GreenWorks makes a wide range of great lawn mowers for any budget. GreenWorks truly offers customers a lot for their money, which is why they are consistently one of the top selling brands. They do have higher end lawn mowers such as their impressive 80V battery powered lawn mower. It’s the ultimate in convenience but it does come at a price : Greenworks PRO 80V GLM801602
BLACK+DECKER BEMW482ES
17″ cutting width, 12 Amp corded-electric lawn mower. Unique Pivot Control Handle enables you to maneuver around obstacles easier.
Features :
- Designed for maneuverability
- Winged blade for 30% better clipping collection
- Designed to power through tall grass
- Push-button start
- 6 height adjustments available from 1 in. to 3 in.
- Rugged wheel treads designed for control in thick grass
Overview
This 12amp electric lawn mower is designed to provide optimal maneuverability for relatively small lawns. It features a unique pivot control handle design for comfort and better control. Another distinctive feature is the winged blade design which offers a 30% better clipping collection over traditional blade designs. The deck features 6 height adjustments from 1-inch to 3-inches and a cutting width of 17-inches. The wheels feature a rugged thread design to provide better control to mow through tall, thick grass.
Battery-Powered Mowers
Greenworks 40V 25322
with 4.0 AH Battery. 16″ wide cutting deck for smaller yards. Best compact lawn mower under $300.
Features:
- 16″ cutting deck : Small to medium size yards
- 5-position height adjustment
- Cutting range from : 1.25″ to 3⅜”
- 2-in-1 : Rear bagging and mulching
- G-MAX 40V Li-Ion Battery System
- Includes 4Ah Battery and Charger
- 6″ front wheels and 7″ rear wheels
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Greenworks 25322.
Overview
Suitable for smaller yards (less than ¼ acre) this model comes with one 40V Li-Ion 4Ah battery as well as the charger. A really neat factor with the Greenworks series are their rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries that can be interchangeable with some of their other battery-operated products. On a full charge it has an approximate run time of up to 40 minutes and cuts an area of up to 7,000 square feet.
VIDEO | A Closer Look Greenworks 25322 (40V mower)
It features the same smart cut technology that automatically adjusts the power of the mower based on the density of the grass and 5 single-lever adjustable height positions from 1¼ inch to 3⅜ inches. The deck size is a 16″ cutting width with a steel blade. The 2-in-1 system features mulching capability and a rear-bag system. At just a little over 37 pounds, it is the lightest model in the G-Max series offered by Greenworks, with a fold-down handle for easier storage and transporting.
Worx WG779 40V 4.0AH
Includes 4.0 Ah battery and charger. 14″ deck width with 13″ cutting diameter. Mulching & Intellicut (2x20V batteries). Ample torque when you need it. Driven by Twin the WORX PowerShare power modules delivering 40 volts of cutting power.
Features :
- 40 volts of continuous mowing power with the flexibility to extend your run-timeif you already use WORX 20V tools because you can share the batteries.
- 2-IN-1 MOWING VERSATILITY : Switch from bagging to mulching.
- LIGHTWEIGHT, COMPACT, FOLDABLE : For small yards with hard-to-maneuver areas.
- INTELLICUT TECHNOLOGY : Extra torque on-demand whenever you need it. Can cut tall and thick grass.
- Turn the knob to determine how much torque you need. Cutting power on-demand, depending on the length and thickness of your lawn.
- Cuts up to 5,500 sq ft on a single charge.
- Green lights show remaining power so you know when it’s time to recharge or swap in fresh batteries.
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Worx WG779
Overview
This 40V power lawn mower is designed to provide twice the power with two 20V batteries for longer run time. It features an Intellicut technology which is designed to deliver on-demand torque when needed to save the battery’s run time. It features a single-lever adjustment to set the cutting height between 1.5” to 3.5” and a cutting width of 14-inches. The 2-in-1 mower also features the flexibility to mulch or bag leaves and lawn clippings with an attached collection bag included. The handle of the mower folds down for compact storing capability.
VIDEO | A Closer Look at the Worx WG779 Mower
Note : If you’re looking for a lawn mower specifically for hills then read our indepth article : Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for Hills.
Manual Reel Mower
American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18
18” cutting width, 5-Blade manual lawn mower.
Features :
- Cutting height: 1.5″ to 2.75″
- 18″ cutting width,
- 5 blade ball bearing reel
- Cushioned loop handle
- Precise scissor cut
- Tool-less assembly
- Clean, easy, quiet way to mower your lawn
- Easy to store
Overview
For quick and easy grass cutting jobs, this manual reel mower is built solid and easy to use. It is designed with 5 tempered blades made from alloy steel and a ball bearing reel construction. The cutting height can be adjusted manually to cut grass at multiple heights from ½” to 2 ¾” for a close cut and an 18-inch cutting width. The lightweight mower is easy to push and maneuver and has a low profile design for space-saving storage.
For every kind of lawn there is a suitable lawn mower to fit your needs. Most of the pricier models boast cool features that may make the job easier if you really despise yard maintenance, but the best lawn mower under $300 can still get the job done sufficiently. Forego the extra bells and whistles for one of these quality models and take care to properly maintain your mower. Your lawn and your wallet will thank you.
Types of Lawn Mowers
The modern day push lawn mower is not a one-size fits all machine. Thanks to the advancements made through years of testing and improving the way lawn mowers operate, yard work has become less daunting. There is a wide range of options among lawn mower types to fit nearly any kind of yard.
Gas vs. Electric vs. Battery Powered
Motor-driven lawn mowers are powered either by gas, electricity, or battery. Each of these power sources offer their own advantages over the other along with disadvantages. The type of lawn you have will help in determining which of these is the most suitable power option for your needs.
Gas —
A gas-powered lawn mower is the most common and the most powerful of these lawn mower options. If you have relatively large area to cut or your lawn is riddled with thick, stubborn grass, this may be the right mower for your needs. These power-horses are built with engines ranging from 140cc-190cc and are capable of tackling any grass type with ease. They can even shorten the amount of time it takes to achieve a well-manicured lawn.
The larger the engine size, the greater capability it has to cut through tall, thick, wet grass. So if your yard has become a little wild and weeds have taken over then gas powered are the best lawn mowers for the job. Most gas-powered models are self-propelled which makes them easier to handle and maneuver.
Disadvantages (Gas-Powered)
It is advised for users to wear hearing protection while operating a gas-powered machine as they are very loud. These models are also quite heavy and cumbersome to maneuver ranging between 60-250 pounds! Proper care and maintenance for gas-powered machines is also required to help extend the longevity of the machine. Even if it is best lawn mower under $300, failure to keep it maintained regularly will end up costing you more in repairs or even a replacement.
Electric —
Electric mowers are powered by an electric motor between 24 – 40 volts. These lawn mowers typically have a cutting width of 14-21 inches and are most suitable if your yard is level and relatively small. Electric mowers come in corded as well as cordless models. Some electric models have a built-in battery, but not all.
What’s nice about going electric is the more eco-friendly option of a motor that doesn’t put out any harmful exhaust emissions. There is no hassle with fueling it up or running out of gas midway through cutting. They’re also much quieter than gas engines so you’re less likely to disturb the neighbors and very easy to start with just the push of a button.
There is very little upkeep required with maintaining electric mowers aside from needing to re-sharpen the blades occasionally. They’re also lightweight by design compared to their gas-powered counterparts making them easier to maneuver and store when not in use.
Disadvantages (Electric)
A corded electric mower will only allow you to cut to the extent of the cord’s reach. This can be awkward when mowing around obstacles in the yard such as trees and if not cut right you can run the risk of running over the cord. The cord with the mower is typically no more than 2 feet long; therefore, an extension cord will need to be purchased separately. Refer to the user manual’s recommendation for maximum length and always use a cord rated 12-gauge or higher.
A cordless electric mower can solve that problem giving you more freedom, but not as long of a run time. Cordless electric mowers have an internal battery that will deplete as you’re using it so you may be limited to only completing sections of your lawn at a time if you have a large-scale area to cut.
Battery-Powered Mowers —
If you have trees or other obstacles in the yard to mow around then a battery-operated model would be more suitable than a corded electric model. These give you more freedom from being held back by a cord so you don’t have to worry about the square footage of your yard. They’re operated by a battery, typically rechargeable Lithium-ion, and usually will run for at least 30 minutes or longer. Run times depend on how hard the motor has to work to cut the grass effectively. Similarly to electric models, a battery-powered lawn mower is lighter in weight allowing ease of use. They also typically feature a push-start function to start up right away.
Disadvantages (Battery-powered)
Although the batteries can be recharged for future use they will eventually need replacing every 3 to 5 years. To prolong the life of your batteries be sure to read the user manual on recommendations for upkeep – for instance, most manufacturers advise not to leave the battery in the charger once it’s fully charged.
Manual Reel Mower —
A manual reel mower is one of the most economical choices among lawn mowers. These do not have an engine; rather they are self-propelled because the push power comes entirely from you. They are simple to operate since there aren’t very many mechanisms to figure out. There is no need to refill with gas, plug into an outlet or charge up a battery so it’s always ready to go. These mowers also help in maintaining the health of your lawn by preserving the integrity of the grass through snipping it. The tearing power behind rotary mowers can leave your grass vulnerable to disease and insects.
Disadvantages (Manual)
Reel mowers are not very common because they don’t produce the power and performance of those with an engine. For a really big job or cutting through tough, dense grass this is not the ideal mower option. However, if you have a relatively small lawn to trim and really looking to keep your lawn care costs minimal then this might be all you really need.
FWD vs. RWD vs. AWD
One of the many important factors to consider in choosing the best lawn mower under $300 is the drive type. Simply put, the drive type refers to the force used in moving the mower forward. Most walk behind push mowers are push-driven by you, the user, however some models do feature a drive system which turns the wheels for better control and efficiency. The right drive for your lawn care needs can make a world of difference for a smoother job.
Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
This type of mower is propelled forward by the front wheels only. The design of the wheels makes it easier to maneuver the machine effectively and more comfortably.
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)
These mowers are driven forward by the back wheels or rear wheels. The wheels can be high or low in size (referring to the diameter) compared to the front wheels. Low or equal sized rear tires in correlation to the front wheels are ideal for lawns that are flat and even. High wheels are designed for mowers built to take on rough, uneven terrain.
All-Wheel Drive Mower (AWD)
These mowers are designed in order for all 4 wheels to propel forward together and are all connected to the unit’s power source. This type of mower is designed to move with power and efficiency.
